Pump barrel valve assembly including seal/actuator element

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an assembly for unseating a seated traveling valve ball, and pumps utilizing such an assembly. The assembly generally includes a tubular member having therein a piston with an actuator for engaging the ball. Mechanical advantage is provided either by providing a sealing area of the piston that is greater than the sealing area of the seat valve and/or by providing a engaging member suitable to strike to seated ball asymmetrically with respect to the vertical axis through the center line of the ball.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a Continuation-In-Part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/416,627, filed Apr. 5, 1995, now issued as U.S.Pat. No. 5,533,876.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to valves and pumps. In another aspect,the present invention relates to ball and seat valves, and to pumpsutilizing said valves. In even another aspect, the present inventionrelates to ball and seat valves utilizing a piston mechanism to unseatthe ball from the seat, and to downhole pumps utilizing said valves.

2. Description of the Related Art

In the production of hydrocarbons from subterranean formations, it isdesirable that the pressure of the formation "produce" or force thehydrocarbons to the surface. Unfortunately, sometimes formation pressuremay be initially too low to produce the formation, or may decline tothat point as hydrocarbons are produced from a formation. Resort mustthen be made to the use of a pump to produce the formation.

Most commonly in petroleum production technology, producing wellsutilize a so called "sucker rod" to lift oil from subterraneanformations to the surface of the earth. Sucker rod pumps are generallyeither a rod pump or a tubing pump. Tubing pumps are constructed suchthat the barrel assembly is an integral part of the tubing string andsuch that the plunger assembly is part of the rod string. Rod pumps,however, are of the stationary barrel traveling plunger type, whereinthe barrel assembly is wedged into the seating nipple at the bottom ofthe tubing, thus providing a seal point.

In general a sucker rod pump is a reciprocating pump which is normallysecured to the lowermost end of the sucker rod string, which extendslongitudinally through the well bore from a reciprocating device at thesurface of the ground. The reciprocating device at the surface isusually a horsehead type apparatus and alternatively raises and lowers astring of sucker rods in the well bore.

The sucker rod pump itself generally includes a housing through which apiston is reciprocated by the sucker rod linkage. In its simplest form,the pump usually includes a number of ball and seat valves with one suchvalve in the piston and another at the inlet port of the housing. On theupstroke of the plunger, the ball in the inlet port valve ("standingvalve") is drawn away from its seat and the ball of the outlet portvalve ("traveling valve") is forced over its seat to draw fluid frombelow the seating nipple and into the housing. On the piston'sdownstroke, the ball in the standing valve is forced into its seat andthe ball in the traveling valve moves away from its seat to allow thepiston to move downwardly through the fluid contained in the housing. Onthe subsequent upstroke, the closing of the traveling valve forces thefluid above the piston, out of the housing through the outlet ports andinto the tubing above the pump and simultaneously fills the housingbelow the piston with fluid. Repetition of this cycle eventually fillsthe tubing string and causes the fluid to flow to the surface.

One problem encountered by sucker rod pumps is caused by the wear of theball and seat valves. The fluid produced from many geological formationscontains minute, abrasive particles, such as sand, which lodge betweenthe ball and seat and wear away the valve components. Over a period oftime, the sealing efficiency of the valves is reduced to such an extentthat the pump must be removed and repaired or replaced. In some wells,where the production fluid is particularly sandy or corrosive, thesepumps must be replaced at frequent intervals. It is, of course, evidentthat removing and repairing or replacing a pump, and the associatedlosses of lost production time during the repair or replacement process,can be significant expense factors.

Another problem associated with such conventional ball and valvesub-surface oilfield pumps is generally known as "gas locking". In suchpumps, the fluid head pressure in the tubing string is held by thetraveling valve, on the upstroke of the piston, and by the lowerstanding valve on the downstroke of the piston. The down stroke of thetraveling valve builds up pressure on the fluid between the travelingvalve and the standing valve which causes the traveling valve to open toallow fluid to pass above the traveling valve. However, in a wellproducing both oil and gas, the chamber between the traveling valve andthe standing valve, frequently fills with gas, and due to thecompressibility of gas, the downstroke of the traveling valve may notbuild up sufficient pressure in the chamber below the traveling valve toact upwardly on the ball of the traveling valve to overcome the immensepressure of the fluid column above the traveling valve which actsdownwardly on the ball of the traveling valve, resulting in the ball ofthe traveling valve remaining in the closed seated position during thedownstroke. Thus, the gas between the standing valve and the travelingvalve merely compresses and expands with each stroke of the pump,producing the operational failure of the pump known as "gas locking".This condition may remedy itself after a short time or may continueindefinitely.

Even another problem associated with such conventional ball and valvesub-surface oilfield pumps is generally known as "fluid pounding." Thisfluid pounding occurs when the pump does not fill completely with liquidduring the upstroke, resulting in the formation of a low pressure gascap in the top of the pump chamber between the traveling valve and thestanding valve. During the subsequent downstroke the traveling valvestays closed until it impacts the fluid.

There has been a long felt need to solve the above described problemsassociated with such conventional ball and valve sub-surface oilfieldpumps, and the art is replete with attempts to solve one or more of theabove problems.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,585,544, issued May 18, 1926 to Hubbard, discusses theproblem of "air hammering", and suggests the use of a rod mounted on thestanding valve which impacts the ball of the traveling valve as thetraveling valve is moved toward the standing valve. However, given theexpansion and contraction of the sucker rods, the traveling valve maynot reach the rod, or may extend past the rod, damaging the valve.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,691,735, issued Sep. 8, 1987 to Horton, discloses atraveling valve for an oil well pump, which includes a piston below thetraveling valve which lifts the traveling valve ball above the travelingvalve seat. On the downstroke, pressure builds up between the standingvalve and the piston, to force the piston upward to lift the ball.However, since the piston cross-sectional area affected by the pressurebetween the standing valve and the piston is equal to thecross-sectional area of the traveling valve seat, no mechanicaladvantage is provided by the arrangement of Horton. Thus, Horton suffersfrom "gas locking" to the same extent as conventional traveling valves.Additionally, the Horton traveling valve and the rod assembly are notmounted below the bottom of the plunger, and thus must be made ofmaterials strong enough to withstand the rigors of operation of thepump.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,547, issued Nov. 1, 1988 to Madden, discloses apushrod assembly mounted below the traveling valve, which pushrod isalternatively moved from an extended into a retracted position eachupstroke and downstroke of the pump. The free terminal end of thepushrod is arranged to engage the traveling valve ball as the pumpcommences the downstroke. However, since the bottom of the pushrodincludes several channels, pressure does not build up between thepushrod and the standing valve during the downstroke. Rather, during thedownstroke liquid is forced through the channels in the bottom of thepushrod. Movement of the pushrod is affected by inertia, pressuredifferential of the liquid flow through the channels, and frictionbetween the pushrod and the pump barrel.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved downholereciprocating pump.

There is another need in the art for an improved apparatus for movingthe traveling valve ball during the downstroke of a downholereciprocating pump.

These and other needs in the art will become apparent to those of skillin the art upon review of this patent specification, claims anddrawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved downholereciprocating pump.

It is another object of the present invention to provide for an improvedapparatus for moving the traveling valve ball during the downstroke of adownhole reciprocating pump.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent tothose of skill in the art upon review of this patent specification,claims and drawings.

According to one embodiment of the present invention there is provided aball and seat valve assembly which generally includes a hollow tubularmember holding a ball and valve. Mounted within the tubular member bybelow valve seat is a piston with an actuator for engaging the seatedball. Mechanical advantage is provided either by providing a sealingarea of the piston that is greater than the sealing area of the seatvalve and/or by providing an actuator suitable to strike the seated ballasymmetrically with respect to the vertical axis through the center lineof the ball.

According to another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a ball and seat assembly which generally includes a ball andseat valve. Mounted to the bottom of the valve is a tubular memberhaving therein a piston with an actuator for engaging the seated ball.Mechanical advantage is provided either by providing a sealing area ofthe piston that is greater than the sealing area of the seat valveand/or by providing an actuator suitable to strike the seated ballasymmetrically with respect to the vertical axis through the center lineof the ball.

According to even another embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a ball and seat assembly which generally includes a firsttubular member containing a ball and seat valve. Mounted to the bottomof the first tubular member is a second tubular member having therein apiston with an actuator for engaging the seated ball. Mechanicaladvantage is provided either by providing a sealing area of the pistonthat is greater than the sealing area of the seat valve and/or byproviding an actuator suitable to strike the seated ball asymmetricallywith respect to the vertical axis through the center line of the ball.

According to still yet another embodiment of the present invention thereis provided a pump assembly which generally includes a pump housing witha movable barrel positioned therein. Affixed to the barrel is atraveling ball and seat valve. Mounted to the bottom of barrel is atubular member having therein a piston with an actuator for engaging theseated ball. Mechanical advantage is provided either by providing asealing area of the piston that is greater than the sealing area of theseat valve and/or by providing an actuator suitable to strike the seatedball asymmetrically with respect to the vertical axis through the centerline of the ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are cross-sectional views of reciprocating fluidpump 10 of the present invention showing piston 40 in a lower,intermediate and upper position, respectively.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are horizontal cross-sectional views taken along FIG. 1Clines 2--2 and 3--3, respectively, of reciprocating fluid pump 10 of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are isometric views of piston 40 of the presentinvention, which is utilized for moving the ball from the travelingvalve.

FIG. 5 shows pump 10 of FIG. 1 except that for piston 40, actuator 41shown in FIG. 1 has been replaced by actuator 141.

FIG. 6 shows pump 10 of FIG. 1 except that for piston 40, actuator 41shown in FIG. 1 has been replaced by actuator 241 as shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7A an FIG. 7B is an isometric view of piston 40 with actuator 241.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are top and side views, respectively, of end 241A ofactuator 241, showing top end 245, striking face 243.

FIG. 10 shows pump 10 of FIG. 1, except that an upper sealing member 38without flow areas 79 is utilized, and except that upper stops 55 havebeen replaced by upper stops 55A of housing 27.

FIG. 11 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along FIG. 10 lines11--11, of reciprocating fluid pump 10 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows pump 10 further having a weight system 300, which is usedto further urge piston 40 from its upper to its lower position.

FIG. 13 is a view of weight 305 of FIG. 12, taken along FIG. 12 line13--13, showing weight sections 305A and 305B connected around couplingend 302A.

FIG. 14 is a view of pump 10, with channels 62 modified to allow forproduction of heavy crude oils.

FIG. 15 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along FIG. 14 line15--15, of reciprocating fluid pump 10 of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, 3, 4A and 4B there is shown oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are cross-sectional views of reciprocating fluidpump 10 of the present invention showing piston 40 in a lower,intermediate and upper position, respectively.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are horizontal cross-sectional views taken along line 2--2and 3--3, respectively, of reciprocating fluid pump 10 of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are isometric views of piston 40 of the presentinvention, which is utilized for moving the ball from the travelingvalve.

Conventional sucker/pump rod 12 connects to reciprocating fluid pump 10of the present invention via threaded connection to conventional plungerconnector 15, which is in turn connected via threaded connection toconventional plunger 18, which is in turn connected via threadedconnection to conventional traveling valve cage 21 of traveling valve 70having seat 78 and ball 75, all of which is encased in conventionalbarrel 23.

It is to be understood that conventional sucker/pump rod 12 is actuatedfrom the surface by any of the well known means, usually a "rockinghorse" type pumpjack unit.

Threaded connection 25 joins traveling valve cage 21 with tubularhousing 27, which extends downwardly to lower housing 29 by threadedconnector 31. Housing 29 in turn extends downwardly and connects tohousing 33 through threaded connector 35. It is to be understood thathousings 27, 29 and 33 form hollow tubular housing assembly 5 of thepresent invention which is adapted for attachment to the traveling valve70. While assembly 5 is illustrated as having three housings 27, 29 and33, it is to be understood that the number of housings utilized is notcritical, and that one or more housings can be utilized. Generallyhowever, at least two housings are utilized to allow for easierinsertion of piston 40 into housing assembly 5.

At the bottom of barrel 23 is positioned conventional standing valve 58,including conventional seat 57 and ball 56.

Piston 40 is positioned within tubular assembly 5 within pump 10 isshown, and includes actuator 41 having engaging end 41A, lower sealingmember 36, upper sealing member 38, piston body 42.

The vertical motion of piston 40 in housing assembly 5 within pump 10 isrestricted at its uppermost point by the engagement of upper stops 55 ofhousing 27 and shoulders 32 of upper sealing member 38 as shown in FIG.1C, and at its lowermost point by engagement of lower stops 54 ofhousing 33 with bottom shoulder 36A of lower sealing member 36 as shownin FIG. 1A.

Liquid flow around lower sealing member 36 through channels 62 inhousing 29 occurs once bottom shoulder 36A clears lower end 62A ofchannels 62. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 3 channels 62 are notcontinuously connected around the perimeter of housing 29, but ratherare spaced by guides 64 formed in the walls of housing 29. While threechannels 62 are utilized in the embodiment of pump 10 shown, it is to beunderstood that any number of channels 62 may be utilized, as long as atleast one channel 62 is provided. Thus, when bottom shoulder 36A isabove lower channel end 62A, lower sealing member 36 is positioned inlower housing 29 by guides 64.

Liquid flow around sealing member 36 is prevented when bottom shouldermember 36A is positioned below lower channel member 62A. Sealing member36 will form a seal with lower housing 29 such that pressure can be heldby sealing member 36. Additional optional sealing can be provided byutilizing a sealing seat against which sealing member 36 will abut. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, lower stop 54 is additionally a sealseat for sealing member 36. Thus, sealing is provided by sealing member36 circumferentially abutting housing 29, and by the bottom of sealingmember 36 abutting lower stop or seat 54.

Lower sealing member 36 includes sealing area 71 which may be any shapesuitable to seal the internal cross-section of housing 29 below channelend 62A. In the embodiment shown, sealing area 71 is a concave shape,although any suitable shape may be utilized.

It is to be understood that in the event of fluid leakage past orfailure of traveling valve 70, sealing member 36 may be designedsuitable to provide backup sealing. It is also possible to eliminatetraveling valve 70, and utilize sealing member 36 as the primarytraveling valve.

Liquid flow around upper sealing member 38 through channels 67 inhousing 27 occurs once bottom shoulder 38A clears lower end 67A ofchannels 67. In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 2 channels 67 are notcontinuously connected around the perimeter of housing 27, but ratherare spaced by guides 69 formed in the walls of housing 27. While threechannels 67 are utilized in the embodiment of pump 10 shown, it is to beunderstood that any number of channels 67 may be utilized, as long as atleast one channel 67 is provided. Thus, when bottom shoulder 38A isabove lower channel end 67A, lower sealing member 38 is positioned inhousing 27 by guides 69.

With piston 40 at its uppermost point, with upper stops 55 of housing 27and shoulders 32 of upper sealing member 38 in engagement, liquid flowwill still occur around sealing member 38. Flow area 79 extendsdownwardly along the side of sealing member 38 as shown in FIGS. 4A and4B to form a liquid passage with channel 67. Even when shoulder 32 isabutted against stop 55 this flow area 79 is in liquid communicationwith channel 67, and thus allows for passage of fluid from channel 67and past sealing member 38 through flow area 79.

Liquid flow around sealing member 38 is prevented when bottom shouldermember 38A is positioned below lower channel member 67A. Sealing member38 will form a seal with housing 27 such that pressure can be held bysealing member 38.

Sealing member 38 includes sealing area 74 which may be any shapesuitable to seal the internal cross-section of housing 27 below channelend 67A. In the embodiment shown, sealing area 74 is a concave shape,although any suitable shape may be utilized.

This embodiment of the present invention is illustrated with two sealingmembers 36 and 38. It is to be understood that at the very least, onesealing member must be utilized, with additional sealing members beingoptional. However, one problem that must be addressed is the orientationof the piston 40. While one sealing member could be modified to keeppiston 40 in its proper vertical alignment, it is preferred to utilizeeither a second sealing member, or a rod guide to keep piston 40 alignedproperly.

It is important that the sealing area of the sealing member that holdspressure against standing valve 58, which in the embodiment shown issealing area 71 of member 36 initially, and subsequently sealing area 74of member 38, have a sealing area that is greater than thecross-sectional area of valve seat passage 78B. Preferably, the sealingarea of sealing member 36 and/or 38 will be at least 1.1 times greaterthan the cross-sectional area of valve seat passage 78B, more preferablyat least 2 times greater, even more preferably at least 5 times greater,even still more preferably at least 6 times greater, even yet morepreferably at least 9 times greater, and most preferably at least 12times greater.

While not wishing to be limited by theory, the inventor believes thatthe greater sealing area of sealing area 71 of member 36 or sealing area74 of member 38 will provide a mechanical advantage over pressuring theseat alone as follows. Pressure acting on the seat alone will provide aforce equal to the product of the pressure and the cross-sectional areaof the seat. Pressure acting upon sealing area 71 of member 36 orsealing area 74 of member 38 will provide a force equal to the productof the pressure and the area of sealing area 71 or sealing area 74.Having a greater sealing area 71 or 74 for member 36 or 38 will providea mechanical advantage for overcoming the fluid column force actingdownwardly upon ball 75, requiring less pressure on sealing area 71 ofmember 36 or sealing area 74 of member 38 to ultimately unseat ball 75.Operation of pump 10 is as follows. In the upstroke, sucker rod 12driven by a surface pumping unit moves plunger 18, traveling cage 21 andtubular assembly 5 upward. This motion closes traveling valve 70, forcespiston 40 into its downward position with shoulder 36A abutted againststop $4, and opens standing valve 58 and pulls liquid into conical area61 of pump 10. On the downstroke, plunger 18, traveling cage 21 andtubular assembly 5 are driven downward thereby closing standing valve 58and compressing the liquid drawn into area 61 between lower sealingmember 36 and the now closed standing valve 58, see FIG. 1A. With thecontinuing downstroke, this pressure builds and acts upon sealingsurface 71 of piston 40, ultimately driving it upward. Once shoulder 36Aclears channel bottom 62A liquid flow bypasses sealing member 36 bypassing through channel 62, see FIG. 1B. With piston 40 in thisintermediate position, pressure is now being held by sealing member 38.With the continuing downstroke, this pressure builds and acts uponsealing surface 74 of piston 40, ultimately driving it upward. Onceshoulder 38A clears channel bottom 67A, liquid flow goes around sealingmember 38 through channels 67, and on through traveling valve 70. Piston40 is ultimately driven to its upmost position with shoulder 32 ofmember 38 abutting stop 55, see FIG. 1C. At this point, liquid willcontinue to bypass sealing members 36 and 38 through channels 62 and 67,respectively, and on through traveling valve 70. This cycle is repeatedwith subsequent downstrokes and upstrokes.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3 and additionally to FIG. 5, there isshown another embodiment of the present invention. The description forFIG. 1 above is applicable to FIG. 5 for like member numbers. FIG. 5shows pump 10 of FIG. 1 except that for piston 40, actuator 41 shown inFIG. 1 has been replaced by actuator 141 as shown in FIG. 5. Instead ofstriking seated traveling valve ball 75 near its vertical center axis,actuator 141 will strike traveling valve ball 75 in a position off ofits center axis as it is in its seated position. More specifically,actuator 141 must strike ball 75 to allow it to pivot on seat 78 atpivot point 78P. Even more specifically, actuator 141 will striketraveling valve ball 75 asymmetrically with respect to its verticalcenter axis as it is in its seated position. Such an asymmetricalstriking will create a moment with respect to the vertical center axiscausing ball 75 to pivot on seat 78 at pivot point 78P. With actuator141, this asymmetrical striking is achieved by angling member 141.

While not wishing to be limited to theory, the inventor believes thatthis asymmetrical striking will create a moment that will allow the ball75 to pivot on its seat 78 at point 78P. The inventor believes that thispivoting or prying action provides a mechanical advantage over merelyforcing ball 75 in the vertical direction that will help to overcome theliquid column pressure acting downwardly on ball 75.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3 and additionally to FIGS. 6, 7A, 7B and8, there is shown even another embodiment of the present invention. Thedescription above is applicable to FIGS. 6, 7A, 7B and 8, for likenumbers. FIG. 6 shows pump 10 of FIG. 1 except that for piston 40,actuator 41 shown in FIG. 1 has been replaced by actuator 241 as shownin FIG. 6. FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B is an isometric view of piston 40 withactuator 241. FIGS. 8 and 9 are top and side views, respectively, of end241A of actuator 241, showing top end 245, striking face 243.

Like the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, this embodiment utilizes anasymmetrically striking of ball 75. In this embodiment however, thisasymmetrical striking is achieved by an actuator 241 that is offset fromthe vertical center line of pump 10.

Actuator 241 also employs a striking face 243 that is not only angledwith respect to the vertical plane, it also is pitched with respect tothe lateral plane. While not wishing to be limited by theory, theinventor believes that this angled and pitched striking face 243provides additional prying or leveraging action to help unseat ball 75from seat 78.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, there is shown still anotherembodiment of the present invention. The description above is applicableto FIGS. 10 and 11 for like numbers. FIG. 10 shows pump 10 of FIG. 1above, except that an upper sealing member 38 without flow areas 79 isutilized, and except that upper stops 55 have been replaced by upperstops 55A of housing 27.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, there is shown still anotherembodiment of the present invention. The description above is applicableto FIGS. 12 and 13 for like numbers. Additionally, FIG. 12 showsweight/plunger system 300, which is used to further encourage themovement of piston 40, by gravity, and downward by frictional dragduring the upstroke of the pump and upward by frictional drag during thedownstroke of the pump. At the very least, weight system 300 willinclude a weight/plunger 305 which is coupled to piston 40. Thisweight/plunger 305 forms a frictional fit with the wall of the pumpbarrel, and includes one or more channels 310 which allow fluid toby-pass weight/plunger 305. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12,weight/plunger system 300 includes a connector 302, which joins piston40 with plunger/weight 305. Coupling end 302A of connector 302 is heldwithin chamber 307 of weight 305, with connector 302 extending throughpassage 307A of chamber 307. Chamber 307 is oversized with respect tocoupling end 302A to allow relative movement between weight 305 andcoupling end 302A. This relative movement between weight 305 andcoupling end 302A absorbs some of the shock of the movement of piston40. It is to be understood, that connector 302 could also be made withsome flexibility to absorb some of this shock.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown a view of weight/plunger 305 ofFIG. 12, taken along FIG. 12 line 13--13. As shown in FIG. 13, weight305 includes sections 305A and 305B, which are connected around couplingend 302A. Weight/plunger 305 fits within the pump housing, with one ormore passages 310 along the side of weight/plunger 305, or alternativelythrough weight/plunger 305, allowing fluid to flow past weight/plunger305.

While weight/plunger system 300 is shown in conjunction with piston 40having modified upper sealing member 38, it is to be understood thatweight/plunger system 300 may be utilized with any type of piston 40.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 and 15, there is shown still anotherembodiment of the present invention. The description above is applicableto FIGS. 14 and 15 for like numbers. When producing heavier crude oils,it is sometime necessary to modify pump 10 to allow for flow aroundupper sealing member 38 and lower sealing member 36. This may beaccomplished by increasing the flow areas of channels 62 and/or 67.Additionally, with heavy crudes, it is sometimes also necessary to allowthe heavy crude to by-pass lower sealing member 36, even when it is inits lowermost position abutted against lower stop 54. This can beaccomplished by providing a channel, or modifying existing channels, toallow the heavy crude to by-pass lower sealing member 36 when abuttedagainst lower stop 54. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS.14 and 15, the housing wall previously shown at 62W, has been removed towiden channel 62, and allow crude to by-pass lower sealing member 36when abutted against lower stop 54.

While the illustrative embodiments of the invention have been describedwith particularity, it will be understood that various othermodifications will be apparent to and can be readily made by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claimsappended hereto be limited to the examples and descriptions set forthherein but rather that the claims be construed as encompassing all thefeatures of patentable novelty which reside in the present invention,including all features which would be treated as equivalents thereof bythose skilled the art to which this invention pertains.

I claim:
 1. A ball and valve seat assembly comprising:(a) a hollowtubular member having an internal cross-sectional area; (b) a valve seatmounted within the tubular member, having a seating passage with aseating cross-sectional area; (c) a ball positioned within the tubularmember above the valve seat; (d) a piston movably mounted within thetubular member below the valve seat, comprising an actuator for engagingthe ball through the passage while the ball is seated on the seat, andcomprising a first sealing member with a first sealing area for sealingthe tubular member below the valve seat across the entire internalcross-sectional area of the tubular member, wherein the sealing area isgreater than the seating cross-sectional area; and (e) a weightconnected to and positioned below the piston; wherein the ball and valveseat is closed by the ball being seated on the valve seat, and opened byan increase in fluid pressure below the piston acting upon the sealingarea causing the piston to rise and engage the ball with the actuatorand thereby unseat the ball.
 2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein theweight comprises one or more fluid channels, and frictionally engagesthe hollow tubular member.
 3. A ball and valve seat assemblycomprising:(a) a hollow tubular member; (b) a valve seat mounted withinthe tubular member, having a seating passage; (c) a ball positionedwithin the tubular member above the valve seat, and having a verticalaxis through its center; (d) a piston movably mounted within the tubularmember below the valve seat, comprising an actuator for engaging theball through the passage while the ball is seated on the seat, andcomprising a first sealing member for sealing the tubular member belowthe valve seat, wherein the actuator is shaped to engage the ballasymmetrically with respect to the vertical axis of the ball; and (e) aweight connected to and positioned below the piston; wherein the balland valve seat is closed by the ball being seated on the valve seat, andopened by an increase in fluid pressure below the piston causing thepiston to rise and asymmetrically engage the ball with the actuator andthereby unseat the ball.
 4. The assembly of claim 3 wherein the weightcomprises one or more fluid channels, and frictionally engages thehollow tubular member.
 5. A ball and valve seat assembly comprising:(a)a valve seat having a seating passage with a seating cross-sectionalarea, and having a top and a bottom; (b) a ball positioned above thevalve seat; (c) a hollow tubular member mounted to the bottom of thevalve seat, and having an internal cross-sectional area; (d) a pistonmovably mounted within the tubular member, comprising an actuator forengaging the ball through the passage while the ball is seated on theseat, and comprising a first sealing member with a first sealing areafor sealing the tubular member below the valve seat across the entireinternal cross-sectional area of the tubular member, wherein the sealingarea is greater than the seating cross-sectional area; and (e) a weightconnected to and positioned below the piston; wherein an increase influid pressure below the piston acting upon the sealing area causes thepiston to rise and engage the ball with the actuator and thereby unseatthe ball.
 6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the weight comprises one ormore fluid channels, and frictionally engages the hollow tubular member.7. A ball and seat valve assembly comprising:(a) a valve seat having aseating passage, and having a top and a bottom; (b) a ball positionedabove the valve seat, and having a vertical axis through its center; (c)a hollow tubular member mounted to the bottom of the valve seat; (d) apiston movably mounted within the tubular member, comprising an actuatorfor engaging the ball through the passage while the ball is seated onthe seat, and comprising a first sealing member for sealing the tubularmember, wherein the actuator is shaped to engage the ball asymmetricallywith respect to the vertical axis of the ball; and (e) a weightconnected to and positioned below the piston; wherein an increase influid pressure below the piston causes the piston to rise and engage theball with the actuator and thereby unseat the ball.
 8. The assembly ofclaim 7 wherein the weight comprises one or more fluid channels, andfrictionally engages the hollow tubular member.
 9. A ball and valve seatassembly comprising:(a) an upper hollow tubular member, having a bottomend; (b) a valve seat mounted within the upper tubular member, having aseating passage with a seating cross-sectional area; (c) a ballpositioned within the upper tubular member above the valve seat; (d) alower hollow tubular member, having an internal cross-sectional area,and having a top end, wherein the top end of the lower tubular member isconnected to the bottom end of the upper tubular member; (e) a pistonmovably mounted within the lower tubular member, comprising an actuatorfor engaging the ball through the passage while the ball is seated onthe seat, and comprising a first sealing member with a first sealingarea for sealing the lower tubular member across the entire internalcross-sectional area of the lower tubular member, wherein the sealingarea is greater than the seating cross-sectional area; and (f) a weightconnected to and positioned below the piston; wherein the ball and valveseat is closed by the ball being seated on the valve seat, and opened byan increase in fluid pressure below the piston acting upon the sealingarea causing the piston to rise and engage the ball with the actuatorand thereby unseat the ball.
 10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein theweight comprises one or more fluid channels, and frictionally engagesthe hollow tubular member.
 11. A ball and seat valve assemblycomprising:(a) an upper hollow tubular member, having a bottom end; (b)a valve seat mounted within the upper tubular member, having a seatingpassage; (c) a ball positioned within the upper tubular member above thevalve seat, and having a vertical axis through its center; (d) a lowerhollow tubular member, having a top end, wherein the top end of thelower tubular member is connected to the bottom end of the upper tubularmember; (e) a piston movably mounted within the lower tubular member,comprising an actuator for engaging the ball through the passage whilethe ball is seated on the seat, and comprising a first sealing memberfor sealing the lower tubular member, wherein the actuator is shaped toengage the ball asymmetrically with respect to the vertical axis of theball; and (f) a weight connected to and positioned below the piston;wherein the ball and seat valve is closed by the ball being seated onthe seat valve, and opened by an increase in fluid pressure below thepiston causing the piston to rise and asymmetrically engage the ballwith the actuator and thereby unseat the ball.
 12. The assembly of claim11 wherein the weight comprises one or more fluid channels, andfrictionally engages the hollow tubular member.
 13. A pump assemblycomprising:(a) a tubular pump barrel providing a working chamber; (b) amovable tubular housing positioned for longitudinal reciprocal movementin the housing working chamber; (c) a traveling valve assemblypositioned in the chamber and connected to and movable with the housing,comprising a valve seat having a seating passage with a seatingcross-sectional area, and comprising a ball positioned above the valveseat; (d) a hollow tubular actuator assembly positioned within thechamber, having an internal cross-sectional area, and having a top end,wherein the top end of the tubular member is connected to the travelingvalve assembly; (e) a piston movably mounted within the actuatorassembly, comprising an actuator for engaging the ball through thepassage while the ball is .seated on the seat, and comprising a firstsealing member with a first sealing area for sealing the actuatorassembly across the entire internal cross-sectional area of the actuatorassembly, wherein the sealing area is greater than the seatingcross-sectional area; (f) a standing valve assembly secured at thebottom of the housing; and (g) a weight connected to and positionedbelow the piston; wherein upward movement of the housing is effective todraw liquid through the standing valve assembly, subsequent downwardmovement of the housing is effective to increase the liquid pressurebetween the standing valve and the piston causing the piston to rise andengage the traveling valve assembly ball with the actuator and therebyunseat the ball.
 14. The assembly of claim 13 wherein the weightcomprises one or more fluid channels, and frictionally engages thehollow tubular member.
 15. A pump assembly comprising:(a) a tubular pumpbarrel providing a working chamber; (b) a movable housing positioned forlongitudinal reciprocal movement in the working chamber; (c) a travelingvalve assembly positioned in the chamber and connected to and movablewith the housing, comprising a valve seat having a seating passage, andcomprising a ball positioned above the valve seat, wherein the ball hasa vertical axis through its center; (d) a hollow tubular actuator memberpositioned within the chamber, having a top end, wherein the top end ofthe tubular member is connected to the traveling valve assembly; (e) apiston movably mounted within the actuator, comprising an actuatorsuitable for asymmetrically engaging the ball through the passage whilethe ball is seated on the seat, and comprising a first sealing memberfor sealing the actuator; (f) a standing valve assembly secured at thebottom of the housing; and (g) a weight connected to and positionedbelow the piston; wherein upward movement of the housing is effective todraw liquid through the standing valve assembly, subsequent downwardmovement of the housing is effective to increase the liquid pressurebetween the standing valve and the piston causing the piston to rise andasymmetrically engage the traveling valve assembly ball with theactuator and thereby unseat the ball.
 16. The assembly of claim 15wherein the weight comprises one or more fluid channels, andfrictionally engages the hollow tubular member.
 17. A ball and valveseat assembly comprising:(a) a hollow tubular member having an internalcross-sectional area; (b) a valve seat mounted within the tubularmember, having a seating passage with a seating cross-sectional area;(c) a ball positioned within the tubular member above the valve seat;(d) a piston movably mounted within the tubular member below the valveseat, comprising an actuator for engaging the ball through the passagewhile the ball is seated on the seat, and comprising a first sealingmember with a first sealing area for sealing the tubular member belowthe valve seat across the entire internal cross-sectional area of thetubular member, wherein the sealing area is greater than the seatingcross-sectional area; and (e) a second sealing member with a secondsealing area for sealing the tubular member between the first sealingmember and the valve seat across the entire internal cross-sectionalarea of the tubular member, wherein the second sealing area is greaterthen the seating area; wherein the ball and valve seat is closed by theball being seated on the valve seat, and opened by an increase in fluidpressure below the piston acting upon the sealing area causing thepiston to rise and engage the ball with the actuator and thereby unseatthe ball.
 18. The assembly of claim 17 further comprising a firstchannel in the hollow tubular member for diverting liquid around thefirst sealing member when the piston is engaging the ball, and a secondchannel in the hollow tubular member for diverting liquid around thesecond sealing member when the piston is engaging the ball, wherein thefirst channel and second channel are positioned such that as the fluidpressure below the piston increases and causes the piston to rise to afirst position, fluid flow occurs through the second channel and notthrough the first channel, and as the fluid pressure below the pistonincreases and causes the piston to rise to a second position, fluid flowoccurs through both the second channel and the first channel.
 19. A balland valve seat assembly comprising:(a) a hollow tubular member; (b) avalve seat mounted within the tubular member, having a seating passage;(c) a ball positioned within the tubular member above the valve seat,and having a vertical axis through its center; (d) a piston movablymounted within the tubular member below the valve seat, comprising anactuator for engaging the ball through the passage while the ball isseated on the seat, and comprising a first sealing member for sealingthe tubular member below the valve seat, wherein the actuator is shapedto engage the ball asymmetrically with respect to the vertical axis ofthe ball; and (e) a second sealing member with a second sealing area forsealing the tubular member between the first sealing member and thevalve seat across the entire internal cross-sectional area of thetubular member, wherein the second sealing area is greater then theseating area; wherein the ball and valve seat is closed by the ballbeing seated on the valve seat, and opened by an increase in fluidpressure below the piston acting upon the sealing area causing thepiston to rise and engage the ball with the actuator and thereby unseatthe ball.
 20. The assembly of claim 19 further comprising a firstchannel in the hollow tubular member for diverting liquid around thefirst sealing member when the piston is engaging the ball, and a secondchannel in the hollow tubular member for diverting liquid around thesecond sealing member when the piston is engaging the ball, wherein thefirst channel and second channel are positioned such that as the fluidpressure below the piston increases and causes the piston to rise to afirst position, fluid flow occurs through the second channel and notthrough the first channel, and as the fluid pressure below the pistonincreases and causes the piston to rise to a second position, fluid flowoccurs through both the second channel and the first channel.
 21. A balland valve seat assembly comprising:(a) a valve seat having a seatingpassage with a seating cross-sectional area, and having a top and abottom; (b) a ball positioned above the valve seat; (c) a hollow tubularmember mounted to the bottom of the valve seat, and having an internalcross-sectional area; (d) a piston movably mounted within the tubularmember, comprising an actuator for engaging the ball through the passagewhile the ball is seated on the seat, and comprising a first sealingmember with a first sealing area for sealing the tubular member belowthe valve seat across the entire internal cross-sectional area of thetubular member, wherein the sealing area is greater than the seatingcross-sectional area; and (e) a second sealing member with a secondsealing area for sealing the tubular member between the first sealingmember and the valve seat across the entire internal cross-sectionalarea of the tubular member, wherein the second sealing area is greaterthen the seating area; wherein the ball and valve seat is closed by theball being seated on the valve seat, and opened by an increase in fluidpressure below the piston acting upon the sealing area causing thepiston to rise and engage the ball with the actuator and thereby unseatthe ball.
 22. The assembly of claim 21 further comprising a firstchannel in the hollow tubular member for diverting liquid around thefirst sealing member when the piston is engaging the ball, and a secondchannel in the hollow tubular member for diverting liquid around thesecond sealing member when the piston is engaging the ball, wherein thefirst channel and second channel are positioned such that as the fluidpressure below the piston increases and causes the piston to rise to afirst position, fluid flow occurs through the second channel and notthrough the first channel, and as the fluid pressure below the pistonincreases and causes the piston to rise to a second position, fluid flowoccurs through both the second channel and the first channel.
 23. A balland seat valve assembly comprising:(a) a valve seat having a seatingpassage, and having a top and a bottom; (b) a ball positioned above thevalve seat, and having a vertical axis through its center; (c) a hollowtubular member mounted to the bottom of the valve seat; (d) a pistonmovably mounted within the tubular member, comprising an actuator forengaging the ball through the passage while the ball is seated on theseat, and comprising a first sealing member for sealing the tubularmember, wherein the actuator is shaped to engage the ball asymmetricallywith respect to the vertical axis of the ball; and (e) a second sealingmember with a second sealing area for sealing the tubular member betweenthe first sealing member and the valve seat across the entire internalcross-sectional area of the tubular member, wherein the second sealingarea is greater then the seating area; wherein the ball and valve seatis closed by the ball being seated on the valve seat, and opened by anincrease in fluid pressure below the piston acting upon the sealing areacausing the piston to rise and engage the ball with the actuator andthereby unseat the ball.
 24. The assembly of claim 23 further comprisinga first channel in the hollow tubular member for diverting liquid aroundthe first sealing member when the piston is engaging the ball, and asecond channel in the hollow tubular member for diverting liquid aroundthe second sealing member when the piston is engaging the ball, whereinthe first channel and second channel are positioned such that as thefluid pressure below the piston increases and causes the piston to riseto a first position, fluid flow occurs through the second channel andnot through the first channel, and as the fluid pressure below thepiston increases and causes the piston to rise to a second position,fluid flow occurs through both the second channel and the first channel.25. A ball and valve seat assembly comprising:(a) an upper hollowtubular member, having a bottom end; (b) a valve seat mounted within theupper tubular member, having a seating passage with a seatingcross-sectional area; (c) a ball positioned within the upper tubularmember above the valve seat; (d) a lower hollow tubular member, havingan internal cross-sectional area, and having a top end, wherein the topend of the lower tubular member is connected to the bottom end of theupper tubular member; (e) a piston movably mounted within the lowertubular member, comprising an actuator for engaging the ball through thepassage while the ball is seated on the seat, and comprising a firstsealing member with a first sealing area for sealing the lower tubularmember across the entire internal cross-sectional area of the lowertubular member, wherein the sealing area is greater than the seatingcross-sectional area; and (f) a second sealing member with a secondsealing area for sealing the lower tubular member between the firstsealing member and the valve seat across the entire internalcross-sectional area of the lower tubular member, wherein the secondsealing area is greater then the seating area; wherein the ball andvalve seat is closed by the ball being seated on the valve seat, andopened by an increase in fluid pressure below the piston acting upon thesealing area causing the piston to rise and engage the ball with theactuator and thereby unseat the ball.
 26. The assembly of claim 25further comprising a first channel in the lower hollow tubular lowermember for diverting liquid around the first sealing member when thepiston is engaging the ball, and a second channel in the hollow tubularmember for diverting liquid around the second sealing member when thepiston is engaging the ball, wherein the first channel and secondchannel are positioned such that as the fluid pressure below the pistonincreases and causes the piston to rise to a first position, fluid flowoccurs through the second channel and not through the first channel, andas the fluid pressure below the piston increases and causes the pistonto rise to a second position, fluid flow occurs through both the secondchannel and the first channel.
 27. A ball and seat valve assemblycomprising:(a) an upper hollow tubular member, having a bottom end; (b)a valve seat mounted within the upper tubular member, having a seatingpassage; (c) a ball positioned within the upper tubular member above thevalve seat, and having a vertical axis through its center; (d) a lowerhollow tubular member having a top end, wherein the top end of the lowertubular member is connected to the bottom end of the upper tubularmember; (e) a piston movably mounted within the lower tubular member,comprising an actuator for engaging the ball through the passage whilethe ball is seated on the seat, and comprising a first sealing memberfor sealing the lower tubular member, wherein the actuator is shaped toengage the ball asymmetrically with respect to the vertical axis of theball; and (f) a second sealing member with a second sealing area forsealing the lower tubular member between the first sealing member andthe valve seat across the entire internal cross-sectional area of thelower tubular member, wherein the second sealing area is greater thenthe seating area; wherein the ball and valve seat is closed by the ballbeing seated on the valve seat, and opened by an increase in fluidpressure below the piston acting upon the sealing area causing thepiston to rise and engage the ball with the actuator and thereby unseatthe ball.
 28. The assembly of claim 27 further comprising a firstchannel in the lower hollow tubular member for diverting liquid aroundthe first sealing member when the piston is engaging the ball, and asecond channel in the hollow tubular member for diverting liquid aroundthe second sealing member when the piston is engaging the ball, whereinthe first channel and second channel are positioned such that as thefluid pressure below the piston increases and causes the piston to riseto a first position, fluid flow occurs through the second channel andnot through the first channel, and as the fluid pressure below thepiston increases and causes the piston to rise to a second position,fluid flow occurs through both the second channel and the first channel.29. A pump assembly comprising:(a) a tubular pump barrel providing aworking chamber; (b) a movable tubular housing positioned forlongitudinal reciprocal movement in the working chamber; (c) a travelingvalve assembly positioned in the chamber and connected to and movablewith the housing, comprising a valve seat having a seating passage witha seating cross-sectional area, and comprising a ball positioned abovethe valve seat; (d) a hollow tubular actuator assembly positioned withinthe chamber, having an internal cross-sectional area, and having a topend, wherein the top end of the tubular member is connected to thetraveling valve assembly; (e) a piston movably mounted within theactuator assembly, comprising an actuator for engaging the ball throughthe passage while the ball is seated on the seat, and comprising a firstsealing member with a first sealing area for sealing the actuatorassembly across the entire internal cross-sectional area of the actuatorassembly, wherein the sealing area is greater than the seatingcross-sectional area; (f) a standing valve assembly secured at thebottom of the housing; and (g) a second sealing member with a secondsealing area for sealing the tubular actuator assembly between the firstsealing member and the valve seat across the entire internalcross-sectional area of the tubular member, wherein the second sealingarea is greater then the seating area; wherein the ball and valve seatis closed by the ball being seated on the valve seat, and opened by anincrease in fluid pressure below the piston acting upon the sealing areacausing the piston to rise and engage the ball with the actuator andthereby unseat the ball.
 30. The assembly of claim 29 further comprisinga first channel in the hollow tubular actuator assembly for divertingliquid around the first sealing member when the piston is engaging theball, and a second channel in the hollow tubular member for divertingliquid around the second sealing member when the piston is engaging theball, wherein the first channel and second channel are positioned suchthat as the fluid pressure below the piston increases and causes thepiston to rise to a first position, fluid flow occurs through the secondchannel and not through the first channel, and as the fluid pressurebelow the piston increases and causes the piston to rise to a secondposition, fluid flow occurs through both the second channel and thefirst channel.
 31. A pump assembly comprising:(a) a tubular pump barrelproviding a working chamber; (b) a movable housing positioned forlongitudinal reciprocal movement in the working chamber; (c) a travelingvalve assembly positioned in the chamber and connected to and movablewith the housing, comprising a valve seat having a seating passage, andcomprising a ball positioned above the valve seat, wherein the ball hasa vertical axis through its center; (d) a hollow tubular actuator memberpositioned within the chamber, having a top end, wherein the top end ofthe tubular member is connected to the traveling valve assembly; (e) apiston movably mounted within the actuator, comprising an actuatorsuitable for asymmetrically engaging the ball through the passage whilethe ball is seated on the seat, and comprising a first sealing memberfor sealing the actuator; (f) a standing valve assembly secured at thebottom of the housing; and (g) a second sealing member with a secondsealing area for sealing the tubular actuator member between the firstsealing member and the valve seat across the entire internalcross-sectional area of the tubular member, wherein the second sealingarea is greater then the seating area; wherein the ball and valve seatis closed by the ball being seated on the valve seat, and opened by anincrease in fluid pressure below the piston acting upon the sealing areacausing the piston to rise and engage the ball with the actuator andthereby unseat the ball.
 32. The assembly of claim 31 further comprisinga first channel in the hollow tubular actuator member for divertingliquid around the first sealing member when the piston is engaging theball, and a second channel in the hollow tubular member for divertingliquid around the second sealing member when the piston is engaging theball, wherein the first channel and second channel are positioned suchthat as the fluid pressure below the piston increases and causes thepiston to rise to a first position, fluid flow occurs through the secondchannel and not through the first channel, and as the fluid pressurebelow the piston increases and causes the piston to rise to a secondposition, fluid flow occurs through both the second channel and thefirst channel.